The song serves as an immediate call to action from its very first notes. A short, energetic riff plays before Frankie Beverly, the lead vocalist and songwriter of the soul and funk group Maze, sings “woah-ohhh.” By the time he reaches the opening lyrics, “You make me happy,” people at barbecues, family gatherings, weddings, block parties, and music festivals are already making their way to the dance floor.
Released in 1981 on the band’s fifth album, “Before I Let Go” peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s R&B chart. Over the decades, the track has become emblematic of the group and Beverly’s impassioned, warm vocals elevate the song, making it an essential part of communal celebrations, especially among Black audiences.
During a podcast conversation in March, Questlove referred to the song as “the national anthem of life,” highlighting its prevalence at Black festivities. The song evokes nostalgia for home and togetherness, with its vibrant energy and Beverly’s powerful voice often making it a finale anthem: Maze has long used it to conclude their performances, most notably at the annual Essence Festival.
Clint Smith, a best-selling author and journalist, captured the unique energy that Beverly creates with his music in a poem he wrote in 2015 titled “When Maze and Frankie Beverly Come On in my House.”